Cycling rock.

Hi everyone.

It has been years since I cycled rock for a set up. Just to make a long story short, I have recently broken down a 180 and a nano. I had so much aptasia and white sponge that I could not stand it any longer. I could not get rid of the cyano and algae. I have been doing tanks for about 15 years and have never had this problem until about 6 months ago. My tank was not what I wanted. So, that being said, live stock are in tubs, rock has been in freshwater for about 4 days and has been scrubbed and scrubbed. It still smells of course.

I want to put it in my tank with the sand and saltwater and use Dr. Tims one and only to get the cycling done. I keep reading great things about the One and Only Nitrifying bacteria.

Question is this, what would be the difference in cycling with dry rock and ammonia versus cycling with this rock I have and using Dr. Tims? Does anyone have any comments on why this would not be a good idea?? Do you think the aptasia and sponge would still be alive at this point?

At this point, I am paranoid and need some input.

Thanks in advance to everyone.

Sherry

Guess I should add that I just upgraded to a 180 from a 125 in November.

 

Although you can get it some kinds of dry rock, I think the biggest risk of using the rock in the tubs is phosphates. Sounds like you have a lot of life (even though it's not the life you like ), and i think all that decaying material could contribute enough nutrient to start you off with a big bloom. However, I've only cycled a tank with dry rock, so others may have a better idea on this.

 

+1 to ^^^

In fact, your obvious former nutrient issues almost guarantees problematic algae blooms. You would do better to give the rocks an acid bath and start with clean dry rock.

 

Bleach and start over. Then use Dr. Tims. The amount of work done so far tells me you want to be successful with the restart. If thats the case then start completely clean.

Also get a nice piece of live rock that has the color coralline you want to have in your next tank in an observation tank/container with an 8 hour light cycle. While your old bleached rocks are recycling you can see if the piece of live rock has anything nasty on it before putting it in the DT.

When I first started I took all kinds of stupid chances. Oh well live and learn.

 

Thanks for the input and you are all right. I just needed the input. So....... outside to put the rock back in water this time with bleach.

Karma to all.

Sherry